Public financial disclosures or campaign financial reports

Kamala Harris's $1B Campaign Ends in Debt After $12M Spent on Private Jets

Nov 15, 2024, 10:29 PM

Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign raised over $1 billion but failed to secure the White House in the recent election. Reports have emerged detailing the campaign's substantial spending on celebrity endorsements and private jet travel. According to these reports, the campaign paid significant sums to prominent figures, including $5 million to Megan Thee Stallion, $3 million to Lizzo, $1.8 million to Eminem, $1 million to Oprah Winfrey's production company, and $500,000 to Al Sharpton. Some celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey and Cardi B, have denied receiving payments for endorsements, with Oprah clarifying that the $1 million payment to her production company was for production costs of hosting a town hall event. The campaign reportedly spent $2.6 million on private jets in the final weeks, contributing to a total of $12 million on such travel expenses. Despite raising over $1 billion, including $900 million by the pro-Harris group Future Forward, the campaign ended with significant debt, estimated at $20 million, and continues to solicit donations from supporters. Critics suggest that the heavy reliance on celebrity endorsements may have backfired, as voters were not swayed by high-profile endorsements amid concerns over economic issues.